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You are cordially invited to join
Mathy Stanislaus, Assistant Administrator of the Office of Solid Waste & Emergency Response of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
for a
Webinar & Conversation on EPA's Environmental Job Training Program Friday, September 21st, 3:00 p.m. EDT
The webinar will highlight EPA’s Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Grant Program that provides funding to recruit, train, and place unemployed individuals residing in waste-impacted communities with the skills needed to secure employment in the environmental field. In addition to the Assistant Administrator, participants will learn about the program from previous grantee and program leaders.
If you are able to attend, please register by 3pm, Wednesday, September 19th. Upon receipt of your rsvp, you will receive a confirmation email with more details.
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Note: Prospective applicants include government entities, states, tribes, nonprofit organizations, community colleges and workforce investment boards. For more information on EPA’s Environmental Workforce Development & Job Training Grant Program, please visit www.epa.gov/brownfields/job.htm
7 Şubat 2013 Perşembe
Gulf of Mexico Environmental Justice Conference
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To expand the conversation on environmentalism and working for environmental justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Gulf of Mexico Program will be hosting a Gulf of Mexico Environmental Justice Conference.
The conference will be held in Biloxi, MS, March 1-2, 2013, at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center.
The theme of the conference is: Environmental Justice: Systems, Symptoms, and Solutions.
Its purpose is to provide a forum for representatives from varying sectors to engage in dialogue and action regarding injustices plaguing vulnerable and underserved communities. To obtain additional information regarding the conference, please visit the EPA website and click on Register for the Gulf of Mexico Environmental Justice Conference.
Gulf of Mexico Environmental Justice Poster Presentation Submission
Anyone involved in the field of Environmental Justice, including community leaders, students, researchers, business/industry professionals, government agency employees, healthcare professionals, K-12 educators, and other interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit posters for presentation. Organized, well-delivered presentations covering a variety of EJ Gulf topics of practical value to attendees' are desired. Reviewers look for clear descriptions of how these projects are helping people of the Gulf, especially EJ communities. Projects can range from restoration projects in at-risk communities to student led projects that are raising awareness about coastal issues affecting EJ communities. The poster submission entry form.
To expand the conversation on environmentalism and working for environmental justice, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Gulf of Mexico Program will be hosting a Gulf of Mexico Environmental Justice Conference.
The conference will be held in Biloxi, MS, March 1-2, 2013, at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center.
The theme of the conference is: Environmental Justice: Systems, Symptoms, and Solutions.
Its purpose is to provide a forum for representatives from varying sectors to engage in dialogue and action regarding injustices plaguing vulnerable and underserved communities. To obtain additional information regarding the conference, please visit the EPA website and click on Register for the Gulf of Mexico Environmental Justice Conference.
Gulf of Mexico Environmental Justice Poster Presentation Submission
Anyone involved in the field of Environmental Justice, including community leaders, students, researchers, business/industry professionals, government agency employees, healthcare professionals, K-12 educators, and other interested parties are strongly encouraged to submit posters for presentation. Organized, well-delivered presentations covering a variety of EJ Gulf topics of practical value to attendees' are desired. Reviewers look for clear descriptions of how these projects are helping people of the Gulf, especially EJ communities. Projects can range from restoration projects in at-risk communities to student led projects that are raising awareness about coastal issues affecting EJ communities. The poster submission entry form.
EPA Solicits Comments: National Enforcement Initiatives
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting public comment and recommendations on National Enforcement Initiatives to be undertaken in fiscal years (FY) 2014-2016. EPA is inviting interested Environmental Justice (EJ) stakeholders to comment on extending the current six national enforcement initiatives (See Background) for the FY 2014-2016 cycle. EJ stakeholders are also invited to propose new sectors or other important strategic areas for consideration.
A conference call is scheduled for January 28, 2013, 2:30 - 3:30 pm (EST). If you would like to participate, the dial-in number is: 1-866-299-3188; Conf. ID: 0872138#. If you have questions about the call, please contact: Michele McKeever in EPA's Office of Compliance, at 202-564-3688.
In preparing comments, please keep in mind that EPA will select a limited number of National Enforcement Initiatives (NEIs) for the FY 2014-2016 time period. Please note that EPA selects National Enforcement Initiatives taking into account Agency resource constraints and funding levels as well as criteria such as environmental impact, significant noncompliance, and appropriate federal role.
For the FY 2014-2016 time period, EPA is considering retaining the current National Enforcement Initiatives. However, if a compelling non-compliance problem were identified that was of similar significance to the existing NEIs, then EPA could focus a national initiative on another sector or strategic area. As EPA begins to identify FY 2014-2016 National Enforcement Initiatives, the Agency is inviting input and information on three issues:
Information on the NPM Guidance.
A conference call is scheduled for January 28, 2013, 2:30 - 3:30 pm (EST). If you would like to participate, the dial-in number is: 1-866-299-3188; Conf. ID: 0872138#. If you have questions about the call, please contact: Michele McKeever in EPA's Office of Compliance, at 202-564-3688.
In preparing comments, please keep in mind that EPA will select a limited number of National Enforcement Initiatives (NEIs) for the FY 2014-2016 time period. Please note that EPA selects National Enforcement Initiatives taking into account Agency resource constraints and funding levels as well as criteria such as environmental impact, significant noncompliance, and appropriate federal role.
Background
EPA protects people's health and safeguards communities by assuring compliance with the nation's environmental laws and by taking enforcement action when laws are violated. Every three years, EPA reviews the national enforcement initiatives to ensure that the Agency's civil and criminal enforcement resources and expertise are focused on the most serious pollution problems affecting communities. For the FY 2011-2013 time period, EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) has six National Enforcement Initiatives. These initiatives are:- Municipal Infrastructure - addressing sewage discharges from combined sewer systems, sanitary sewer systems, and municipal separate storm sewer systems;
- Mineral Processing - addressing hazardous waste at phosphoric acid facilities and high risk mineral processing sites;
- New Source Review - controlling emissions from coal fired utility sector, cement plants, glass plants, and acid production plants;
- Air Toxics - addressing toxic emissions from high risk facilities by examining leak detection and repair (LDAR), flares, and excess emission sources;
- Energy Extraction - addressing land-based natural gas extraction facilities, including corporate-wide evaluations; and
- Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations - addressing animal waste discharges from large animal feeding facilities.
For the FY 2014-2016 time period, EPA is considering retaining the current National Enforcement Initiatives. However, if a compelling non-compliance problem were identified that was of similar significance to the existing NEIs, then EPA could focus a national initiative on another sector or strategic area. As EPA begins to identify FY 2014-2016 National Enforcement Initiatives, the Agency is inviting input and information on three issues:
- whether to extend the current six National Enforcement Initiatives for the 2014-2016 cycle;
- whether new sectors or strategic areas are appropriate for consideration; and
- whether current or new significant environmental problems in Indian country or affecting Indian country exist that are appropriate for consideration.
Information on the NPM Guidance.
NEJAC Seeks Nominations For New Members
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Seeking Nominations for Members to EPA's National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to its National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC). The NEJAC is a multi-stakeholder federal advisory committee that provides independent advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator about cross-cutting issues related to environmental justice.
This notice solicits nominations to fill at least six (6) new vacancies. To maintain the representation outlined by the charter, nominees will be selected to represent the following stakeholder work force sectors:
Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified persons to be considered for appointment to this advisory committee. Individuals may self-nominate. Nominees should possess the following qualifications:
Additional details regarding the nomination process and to learn more about NEJAC.
To be considered, all nomination packages should include:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to its National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC). The NEJAC is a multi-stakeholder federal advisory committee that provides independent advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator about cross-cutting issues related to environmental justice.
This notice solicits nominations to fill at least six (6) new vacancies. To maintain the representation outlined by the charter, nominees will be selected to represent the following stakeholder work force sectors:
- Academia (2 vacancies)
- Grassroots Community-based organizations (1 vacancy)
- Non-governmental/environmental organizations (1 vacancy)
- State and local government agencies (1 vacancy)
- Tribal governments and indigenous groups (1 vacancy)
Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified persons to be considered for appointment to this advisory committee. Individuals may self-nominate. Nominees should possess the following qualifications:
- Strong understand of the issues facing communities with environmental justice concerns
- Demonstrated experience with environmental justice and community sustainability issues at the national, state, or local level;
- Excellent interpersonal and consensus-building skills
- Willingness to commit time to the committee and demonstrated ability to work constructively and effectively on committees
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication, and consensus-building skills
- Ability to serve a 3-year appointment and to volunteer approximately 5 to 8 hours per month to support the Council's activities
Additional details regarding the nomination process and to learn more about NEJAC.
To be considered, all nomination packages should include:
- Current contact information for the nominee, including the nominee's name, organization (and position within that organization), current business address, e-mail address, and daytime telephone number.
- Brief Statement describing the nominee's interest in serving on the NEJAC
- Resume and a short biography (no more than 2 paragraphs) describing the professional and educational qualifications of the nominee, including a list of relevant activities, and any current or previous service on advisory committees
- Letter[s] of recommendation from a third party supporting the nomination. The letter(s) should describe how the nominee's experience and knowledge would bring value to the work of the NEJAC.
EPA Policy Documents on Title VI
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EPA has made improving its civil rights program a priority and recognizes that its enforcement of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) is an important tool in its efforts to protect against discrimination and ensure that recipients of EPA financial assistance do not discriminate in implementing programs and activities.
As part of this effort, EPA has posted two draft policy papers for review and comment. The first draft policy paper proposes to change the way EPA assesses "adversity" by having the Agency refrain from applying a "rebuttable presumption" in certain Title VI investigations. The second draft paper discusses EPA's thinking on how to expand the roles of complainants and recipients in the Title VI complaints process.
EPA also adopted a Title VI Term and Condition that will be included in domestic grant awards made on or after January 23, 2013.
The two draft policy papers and the new grants language are on OCR's website at http://www.epa.gov/ocr/title6policy.htm. EPA will take comments on the two draft policy papers until March 8, 2013.
For further information or questions please contact:
Helena Wooden-Aguilar
External Civil Rights - Assistant Director
US EPA - Office of Civil Rights
202-564-0792
Wooden-Aguilar.Helena@epa.gov
Two Draft EPA Policy Documents on Title VI Out for Public Comment
EPA has made improving its civil rights program a priority and recognizes that its enforcement of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) is an important tool in its efforts to protect against discrimination and ensure that recipients of EPA financial assistance do not discriminate in implementing programs and activities.
As part of this effort, EPA has posted two draft policy papers for review and comment. The first draft policy paper proposes to change the way EPA assesses "adversity" by having the Agency refrain from applying a "rebuttable presumption" in certain Title VI investigations. The second draft paper discusses EPA's thinking on how to expand the roles of complainants and recipients in the Title VI complaints process.
EPA also adopted a Title VI Term and Condition that will be included in domestic grant awards made on or after January 23, 2013.
The two draft policy papers and the new grants language are on OCR's website at http://www.epa.gov/ocr/title6policy.htm. EPA will take comments on the two draft policy papers until March 8, 2013.
For further information or questions please contact:
Helena Wooden-Aguilar
External Civil Rights - Assistant Director
US EPA - Office of Civil Rights
202-564-0792
Wooden-Aguilar.Helena@epa.gov
6 Şubat 2013 Çarşamba
Energy Department Invests $9 Million in Data-Driven SunShot Projects
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This is an excerpt from EERE Network News, a weekly electronic newsletter.
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This is an excerpt from EERE Network News, a weekly electronic newsletter.
February 06, 2013
Energy Department Invests $9 Million in Data-Driven SunShot Projects
The Energy Department announced on January 30 its selection of seven data-driven projects to unearth new opportunities for reducing solar energy costs and accelerating solar energy deployment in the United States. The Department will invest about $9 million in the seven projects, located in six states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Texas. The projects are part of the SunShot Initiative, a collaborative national effort to make solar energy cost-competitive with other forms of energy by the end of the decade.For four of the projects, the Energy Department will provide $7 million to research teams led by Sandia National Laboratories, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Yale University, and the University of Texas – Austin (UT-Austin). These teams will partner with public and private financial institutions, utilities, and state agencies to apply statistical and computational tools to solve industry problems and lead regional pilot projects across the country to test the impact and scalability of their innovations.For example, Yale University researchers will partner with SmartPower's New England Solar Challenge to design and implement innovative strategies that can increase the effectiveness of community-led bulk purchase programs for solar power. The team from the UT-Austin will work with complex datasets from six Texas utilities to better understand customer needs and identify opportunities to streamline installation and interconnection. Similarly, NREL will develop a computational model to analyze data from a network of U.S. solar installers and help identify new types of community- and regional-scale strategies to drive down financing and deployment costs.The Department will also invest $2 million in three projects led by the University of North Carolina – Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and SRI International to analyze decades of scientific publications, patents, and cost and production data. SRI International will develop advanced software that reads and analyzes thousands of scientific publications and patents to discover new ways to speed solar energy technology innovation and commercialization. Meanwhile, MIT and UNC Charlotte will apply computational tools to patent, cost, and production data to speed up solar technology cost reductions and better forecast future cost reductions for new energy technologies. See the Energy Department press release and the full list of projects.
AWEA: Wind Power Leads New U.S. Generating Capacity in 2012
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This is an excerpt from EERE Network News, a weekly electronic newsletter.
This is an excerpt from EERE Network News, a weekly electronic newsletter.
February 06, 2013
AWEA: Wind Power Leads New U.S. Generating Capacity in 2012
The U.S. wind energy industry had its strongest year ever in 2012, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) announced on January 30. The industry installed a record 13,124 megawatts (MW) of U.S. electric generating capacity last year, achieving over 60,000 MW of cumulative wind capacity, enough to power almost 15 million homes. The annual total far surpasses the previous record of 10,000 MW installed in 2010. For the first time, wind energy became the number one source of new U.S. electric generating capacity, providing 42% of all new generating capacity.In last year's fourth quarter alone, 8,380 MW were installed, making it the strongest quarter in U.S. wind power history. AWEA noted that this was due in large part to impending expiration of the federal Production Tax Credit. It was slated to end on December 31, 2012, but was extended by Congress as part of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.The top 10 states for new capacity installations in 2012, in order, were Texas (1,826 MW), California (1,656 MW), Kansas (1,440 MW), Oklahoma (1,127 MW), Illinois (823 MW), Iowa (814 MW), Oregon (640 MW), Michigan (611 MW), Pennsylvania (550 MW), and Colorado (496 MW). The Golden State regained its position as the second largest state in installed wind capacity, surpassing Iowa, which had been number two since 2008. California achieved the 5,000-MW milestone in wind capacity, following Texas, and alongside Iowa. See the AWEA press release.
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